Orleans Park School in Greater London Finds Dining Shelter

What was the project brief?

Orleans Park School in Twickenham was hoping to find a reliable dining canopy to help improve its students’ wellbeing, by boosting access to the outdoors and improving the secondary school’s facilities and atmosphere. They wanted a design that combined functionality and style – something that would look classy and do its job in any season. Also, it needed to have excellent coverage so many people could mix and eat under it at once. We were thrilled when the institution contacted our team and we had fun coming up with the perfect shelter for them.

What was our dining canopy solution?

After consulting in-depth with our canopy and shelter specialists, Orleans Park School selected a Motiva Duo™ for its dining canopy. Thanks to its solid steel framework, duopitch curved polycarbonate roofing and Dura-coat™ finish, this was an excellent choice when functionality was such an important part of the brief. The shelter could stand up to both wind and rain and the vibrant Brown Red steelwork would stay bright for years to come, contrasting wonderfully with the airy Opal roof. What’s more, the 12000mm X 5000mm measurements meant that multiple groups could congregate beneath it simultaneously and enjoy the fresh air while refuelling between classes.

What was the result of the shelter?

The dining canopy has been a great success at Orleans Park School. The team there has installed benches underneath it, so students can now sit outside and relax or eat at break times, whether it’s sunny or rainy. The new colours in the design have brought visual interest to the space and the canopy structure is a facility that the entire community values. Plus, having a covered area in which to think, socialise or study outside of the classroom is beneficial for everyone’s mental health. We were glad to add this rewarding project to our secondary schools’ portfolio.

Testimonial

“We are very pleased with the final end product.”

• Orleans Park School

About the client

Orleans Park School is an 11-18 mixed comprehensive institution that currently holds the highest Ofsted rating of ‘Outstanding’ in all areas. It describes itself as having a ‘tradition of academic rigour combined with creativity’, and it puts the wellbeing of each student at its heart – for example, by being an official Research Partner in the Education for Wellbeing programme. We hope that our product assists the staff on their mission to support and encourage all their learners.

Orleans Park School is based in Twickenham in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. This South West suburb of the capital is internationally recognised as the home of English Rugby Union and features the iconic Twickenham Stadium, stunning 18^th century architecture and lovely riverside scenery. It is also known for its extensive shopping opportunities, while its period mansions and gardens are ideal locations for relaxing walks or exploration.

What are the benefits of a school canopy?

Shelters can help academic institutions in many different ways, from improving facilities to opening up opportunities for their students.

• Prioritising children’s safety – canopies keep the ground dry in areas like entrances and playgrounds, which greatly reduces the risk of slips and falls in wet weather. This can be especially useful at primary and nursery levels.
• Getting outdoors more often – it has been well-documented that spending time outside is beneficial for both our physical and mental health, as well as things like memory and concentration that can assist in learning and satisfaction at school. Shelters can enable students and staff to enjoy these benefits in all weather.
• Versatility – canopies can have multiple functions to help sites make the most of their space; a shade sail bought to be a sun shelter in a playground could also be used as a covered relaxation area, while an enclosed dining canopy could double up as storage outside of term time.
• Robust construction – all A&S Landscape shelters are built to withstand Britain’s range of unpredictable weather, due to strong, long-lasting materials and thoughtful designs. This means you can be assured that your product will always provide fantastic protection.

We have models available to suit everyone’s needs, so why not get in touch to see how we can solve your problems? Call us on 01743 444100 today to learn more.

How can I afford an A&S Landscape shelter?

It might seem difficult to finance a canopy, but we can help. Our models have long been recognised as providing exceptional value for money, and we can assist you in securing your dream products while easing your cash flow and helping you effectively manage your budget. If you have questions about our finance options, feel free to email us at [email protected].